Match Report: EMC Academy 1-1 Rotherfield FC

EMC Academy 1-1 Rotherfield FC

Rotherfield FC earned their second, successive away draw this weekend as a competitive and high-quality affair against EMC Academy ended 1-1. A tale of two halves, Rotherfield went into a first-half lead thanks to Jack Spampanato and defended resolutely in the second period to earn another point.

After months with no rain whatsoever, torrential rain greeted both sides during the warm up at AFC Whyteleafe where Rotherfield lined up with three changes from the week prior as Bailey Mintrim, Harry Chittenden and Callum Gallie took their places in the starting lineup.

The early exchanges saw both sides cancelling each other out with few clear cut chances being generated. As the half progressed, the Greens began to enjoy more joy down the left hand side with Mintrim and Daniel Gray combining well. The midfield three of Jack Spampanato, John Sinclair and Chittenden were industrious out of possession and showing good quality on the ball as Rotherfield gained the upper hand.

Their superiority and sustained pressure would tell after a well-delivered free kick from Spampanato was cleared to the edge of the box. Twenty yards from goal, Gray and Spampanato combined well and the Rotherfield #10 curled the ball into the far corner to give the visitors the lead.

EMC rallied well after going behind and their pacy wide men were causing problems with the evergreen Sid Sollis dropping deep and getting on the ball. Rotherfield looked to have weathered the storm but were disappointed to concede right on the stroke of half time. EMC’s left winger cut inside and shot towards goal which looped over James Gurney into the back of the net.

The hosts started the second half positively and the Greens had the strong defending of Gallie, Callum Ridley, James Bowen and Mintrim to thank as well as Gurney who clawed away a number of dangerous crosses. The pattern of the second half was set with EMC enjoying the majority of possession and Rotherfield looking to hit their hosts on the break.

Despite a number of decent openings with dangerous runs from the likes of Cameron Howard and Gray as well as a long-range effort from Tommy Overton, the Greens were unable to test the home side’s keeper. 

The home side continued to make changes and their pace from the bench was a real threat for Rotherfield to contend with. Changes were made by the away side to stem the flow and the Greens were showing real discipline in their shape and defending.

As the clock ticked on, the hosts looked to have won the game with a far post header from a deep corner only for the officials to strike the goal out as the ball had gone out of play during the corner delivery. The final moments saw both sides pushing for a winner but the final whistle brought an end to an entertaining game from start to finish.

Next week, Rotherfield continue their travels as they head to Cuckfield Town looking to get their first victory of the season.

Lineup: Gurney; Bowen, Ridley, Gallie, Mintrim; Chittenden (Prince, 70), Sinclair, Spampanato (Alexander, 80); Gray (Prince, 75), Overton (Handford, 70), McLeod (Howard, 60)

Player of the Match - Bailey Mintrim